Best 2021 NFL breakout candidate from every team

ASHBURN, VA - JUNE 02: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Washington Football Team hands the ball off to Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Football Team during the organized team activity at Inova Sports Performance Center on June 2, 2021 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
ASHBURN, VA - JUNE 02: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Washington Football Team hands the ball off to Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Football Team during the organized team activity at Inova Sports Performance Center on June 2, 2021 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
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NFL 2021
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 13: Jordyn Brooks #56 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates a sacking Braxton Berrios #10 of the New York Jets but the play was called back during the second quarter in the game at Lumen Field on December 13, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

Seattle Seahawks: Jordyn Brooks, Linebacker

Jordyn Brooks was a solid prospect coming out of Texas Tech last season and many expected him to be able to develop into a starting linebacker somewhere down the road. What wasn’t expected was for him to sneak into the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

That’s what ended up happening when the Seattle Seahawks took him at No. 27 overall, but that’s kind of become the norm for Seattle. They have been reaching in the first round for a while but they make up for that with solid moves in the rounds that follow.

As for their reaches, it’s not often they hit. Rashaad Penny has yet to live up to his status and L.J. Collier has just three sacks in two seasons after they took the TCU defensive end at No. 29 in 2019. As for Brooks, he seems as though he will end up working out, which makes reaching for him not feel so bad.

During his rookie campaign, Brooks started six games while playing in 14. He recorded 57 tackles and broke up two passes, showing enough for the Seahawks to feel comfortable letting K.J. Wright walk. Now slated to start this season, Brooks could be a player to watch as he tries to take the next step in his development.